Principal Engineer

An exciting permanent opportunity has become available for a Principal Engineer (Civil) to join the Assets and Maintenance team, Far North District, based in Cairns. The Assets & Maintenance team is responsible for developing and delivering the annual maintenance and preservation program within the infrastructure Management and Delivery Division.

This role will enable you to have a significant impact on infrastructure projects and drive meaningful outcomes for community within Queensland's Far North. Apply now and become a key part of our dedicated team. Your experience and leadership will help shape the future landscape of the region.

We are seeking an experienced civil engineer to manage the operational aspects of maintaining local road infrastructure, providing specialist technical expertise and leadership across road network maintenance activities. Based in one of Australia's most unique locations, this role also includes mentoring and supporting the growth of graduate engineers within the district.

If you are a motivated and qualified civil engineer with a passion for road infrastructure maintenance, eager to learn new skills, and keen to apply your specialist engineering expertise to exciting projects, this is the opportunity for you.

In the role of Principal Engineer (Civil) you will manage the operational aspects of the delivery of individual projects from local road infrastructure programs and provide specialist technical expertise to project activities through effective leadership to project managers on design, construction, maintenance projects and operation of road networks.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Provide high level engineering advice and input into construction and maintenance projects.

• Manage and co-ordinate contract performance and construction practices by ensuring that efficient procedures are implemented, and best practice is achieved.

• Ensure all quality and environmental aspects of the project are identified and addressed to maintain effective operation and project delivery.

• Provide support and advice on planning and design suitability and options, the use of materials, resources, components or systems within the project and construction practices and problems to ensure project success, value for money and best practice are achieved.

• Manage the operational aspects of project delivery to ensure the effective and efficient use of systems and processes involved with all phases of the project management model.

• Maintain and apply all relevant standards, policies, guidelines and legislative requirements necessary to support responsible decisions and courses of action for the design and construction of road infrastructure projects.

• Supervise and coordinate resource allocation with the expectation that you would encourage effective teamwork and foster a positive attitude toward the achievement of organisational objectives.

Qualifications:

• A Washington Accord accredited four-year degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent recognised by Engineers Australia.

• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) is mandatory for appointment to the position; however, applications will also be considered if evidence is provided that an assessment for RPEQ has commenced.

• Current holder of Class C driver's license.

• Must be eligible to work in Australia.

Benefits:

• Generous employer superannuation contribution - up to 12.75%.

• Five weeks annual recreation leave plus leave loading.

• Reimbursement of professional membership fees.

• RPEQ compensation payment.

• Flexible work options.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Salary packaging arrangements.

• Health and well-being incentives.

• Assistance with relocation expenses.

How to apply:

Applications for this role may be used to appoint to similar vacancies within Far North District for a specified period up to 12 months after the closing date of the initial vacancy.

For further information about this position and details on how to apply, please refer to the role description.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/662158/25

Closing Date: Wednesday, 08 October 2025